Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for fingerprint identification, comprising: detecting, when a fingerprint identification function of a terminal is in a sleep state, a contact of an object with a fingerprint identification area of a terminal, wherein the contact of the object covers a contact area on the fingerprint identification area; acquiring, when the fingerprint identification function is in the sleep state, characteristic information of the contact area; determining, when the fingerprint identification function is in the sleep state, whether the contact area includes a fingerprint based on the characteristic information; starting the fingerprint identification function to perform fingerprint identification when it is determined that the contact area includes the fingerprint; maintaining the sleep state when it is determined that the contact area does not include the fingerprint; and maintaining a terminal system in a sleep state and ignoring the contact when the terminal system is in the sleep state and it is determined that the contact area does not include the fingerprint by configuring an identification integrated circuit (IC) to send an interruption signal to a processor of the terminal system, such that the processor of the terminal system does not perform a start of the terminal system and subsequent process after receiving the interruption signal.
Fingerprint identification systems in electronic terminals often consume significant power when continuously active, reducing battery life. This invention addresses the problem by implementing an energy-efficient fingerprint identification method that minimizes unnecessary activation of the fingerprint sensor. The method involves detecting contact with the fingerprint identification area while the fingerprint identification function is in a sleep state. Upon detecting contact, the system acquires characteristic information of the contact area without fully activating the fingerprint sensor. This information is analyzed to determine whether the contact area contains a fingerprint. If a fingerprint is detected, the fingerprint identification function is activated to perform full identification. If no fingerprint is detected, the system remains in sleep mode, conserving power. Additionally, if the terminal system itself is in sleep mode and no fingerprint is detected, the system configures an identification integrated circuit (IC) to send an interruption signal to the processor, preventing the terminal from waking up and performing subsequent processes. This ensures that only valid fingerprint contacts trigger system activation, significantly reducing power consumption and improving efficiency.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein acquiring the characteristic information of the contact area comprises: acquiring a section image of the contact area and extracting a characteristic point of the contact area from the section image; determining whether the characteristic point is consistent with a fingerprint characteristic; determining that the contact area includes the fingerprint when the characteristic point is consistent with the fingerprint characteristic; and determining that the contact area does not include the fingerprint when the characteristic point is not consistent with the fingerprint characteristic.
A method for detecting fingerprints in a contact area involves analyzing the contact area to determine whether it contains a fingerprint. The method includes acquiring a section image of the contact area, which may be obtained using imaging techniques such as optical or capacitive sensing. From this image, characteristic points of the contact area are extracted, which may include ridges, valleys, or other distinguishing features of a fingerprint. The extracted points are then compared to known fingerprint characteristics, such as patterns, minutiae, or other biometric markers. If the characteristic points match the expected fingerprint features, the method concludes that the contact area includes a fingerprint. If the points do not match, the method determines that no fingerprint is present. This method can be used in security systems, biometric authentication, or other applications where fingerprint detection is required. The technique ensures accurate identification by leveraging image analysis and pattern recognition to distinguish between fingerprint and non-fingerprint contact areas.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein acquiring the characteristic information of the contact area comprises: acquiring contour information of the contact area, the contour information indicating an edge shape of the contact area; determining whether the edge shape indicated by the contour information is an oval; determining that the contact area includes the fingerprint when the edge shape is an oval; and determining that the contact area does not include the fingerprint when the edge shape is not an oval.
This invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a fingerprint in a contact area, particularly in applications where distinguishing between fingerprints and other contact shapes is critical, such as in biometric authentication or touch-sensitive devices. The method addresses the challenge of accurately identifying fingerprints by analyzing the contour information of the contact area to determine its edge shape. The process involves acquiring contour data that defines the boundary of the contact area, then evaluating whether the edge shape is oval. If the edge shape is oval, the system concludes that the contact area includes a fingerprint, as fingerprints typically exhibit an oval contour. Conversely, if the edge shape deviates from an oval, the system determines that the contact area does not contain a fingerprint. This approach leverages geometric analysis to improve the reliability of fingerprint detection, reducing false positives from non-fingerprint contacts. The method may be integrated into touch-based systems to enhance security and user interaction accuracy.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein acquisition of the characteristic information and determination of the contact area is performed by a fingerprint identification integrated circuit (IC) within the fingerprint identification area.
A fingerprint identification system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and analyzing fingerprint characteristics for secure authentication. The system includes a fingerprint identification integrated circuit (IC) that captures fingerprint data within a designated fingerprint identification area. The IC acquires characteristic information, such as ridge patterns and minutiae, and determines the contact area between the user's finger and the sensor. This process involves processing the acquired data to identify unique fingerprint features and calculate the precise area of contact, ensuring reliable authentication. The IC integrates both sensing and processing functions, enabling real-time analysis without external components. This approach enhances security by minimizing data transmission and reducing vulnerabilities to tampering. The system is particularly useful in mobile devices, access control systems, and biometric security applications where compact, efficient, and secure fingerprint recognition is required. The IC's ability to perform both data acquisition and contact area determination streamlines the authentication process, improving accuracy and response time.
5. An apparatus for fingerprint identification, comprising: a processor; a memory configured to store instructions executable by the processor, wherein the processor is configured to: detect, when a fingerprint identification function of a terminal is in a sleep state, a contact of an object with a fingerprint identification area of a terminal, wherein the contact of the object covers a contact area on the fingerprint identification area; acquire, when the fingerprint identification function is in the sleep state, characteristic information of the contact area; determine, when the fingerprint identification function is in the sleep state, whether the contact area includes a fingerprint based on the characteristic information; start the fingerprint identification function to perform fingerprint identification when it is determined that the contact area includes the fingerprint; maintain the sleep state when it is determined that the contact area does not include the fingerprint; and maintain a terminal system in a sleep state and ignoring the contact when the terminal system is in the sleep state and it is determined that the contact area does not include the fingerprint by configuring an identification integrated circuit (IC) to send an interruption signal to a processor of the terminal system, such that the processor of the terminal system does not perform a start of the terminal system and subsequent process after receiving the interruption signal.
This invention relates to fingerprint identification technology, specifically addressing the power efficiency and responsiveness of fingerprint sensors in electronic devices. The problem solved is the unnecessary activation of fingerprint identification functions when a user touches the sensor area without intending to authenticate, which wastes power and disrupts the device's sleep state. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing executable instructions. When the fingerprint identification function is in a sleep state, the system detects contact with the fingerprint identification area. If the contact covers a portion of the sensor, the system analyzes characteristic information of the contact area to determine whether it contains a fingerprint. If a fingerprint is detected, the system activates the fingerprint identification function to perform authentication. If no fingerprint is detected, the system maintains the sleep state, conserving power. Additionally, if the terminal system itself is in a sleep state and no fingerprint is detected, the system configures an identification integrated circuit (IC) to send an interruption signal to the terminal's processor, preventing the system from waking up and performing subsequent processes. This ensures the device remains in a low-power state when unintended touches occur. The solution improves energy efficiency and user experience by minimizing false activations.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the processor is further configured to: acquire a section image of the contact area and extract a characteristic point of the contact area from the section image; determine whether the characteristic point is consistent with a fingerprint characteristic; determine that the contact area includes the fingerprint when the characteristic point is consistent with the fingerprint characteristic; and determine that the contact area does not include the fingerprint when the characteristic point is not consistent with the fingerprint characteristic.
This invention relates to fingerprint detection in contact areas, addressing the challenge of accurately identifying fingerprint presence in captured images. The apparatus includes a processor configured to analyze a contact area where a fingerprint may be present. The processor acquires a section image of the contact area and extracts characteristic points from this image. These points are then compared against known fingerprint characteristics to determine consistency. If the extracted points match fingerprint patterns, the system concludes that a fingerprint is present. Conversely, if the points do not match, the system determines that no fingerprint is detected. The apparatus may also include an imaging module to capture the contact area image, ensuring high-resolution data for analysis. The system enhances security and authentication processes by reliably distinguishing between fingerprint and non-fingerprint contact areas, reducing false positives and improving accuracy in biometric verification. The method involves image processing, pattern recognition, and decision-making based on extracted features, ensuring robust fingerprint detection in various applications.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the processor is further configured to: acquire contour information of the contact area, the contour information indicating an edge shape of the contact area; determine whether the edge shape indicated by the contour information is an oval; determine that the contact area includes the fingerprint when the edge shape is an oval; and determine that the contact area does not include the fingerprint when the edge shape is not an oval.
This invention relates to biometric authentication systems, specifically methods for distinguishing between a fingerprint and other contact inputs on a touch-sensitive surface. The problem addressed is the need to accurately identify whether a detected contact area corresponds to a fingerprint, as opposed to other objects or partial fingerprints, to improve security and reliability in fingerprint recognition systems. The apparatus includes a touch-sensitive surface and a processor configured to analyze contact areas detected on the surface. The processor acquires contour information of the contact area, which defines the edge shape of the detected region. The system then evaluates whether the edge shape is oval, as fingerprints typically exhibit an oval contour due to the natural shape of a fingertip. If the edge shape is oval, the system determines that the contact area includes a fingerprint. If the shape is non-oval, the system concludes that the contact does not represent a valid fingerprint, rejecting it as an invalid input. This approach enhances fingerprint recognition by filtering out non-fingerprint contacts, reducing false positives, and improving the accuracy of biometric authentication. The method leverages geometric analysis of contact contours to distinguish between valid and invalid inputs, ensuring more reliable fingerprint detection.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the apparatus is applied to a fingerprint identification integrated circuit (IC) within the fingerprint identification area.
A fingerprint identification integrated circuit (IC) is designed to capture and process fingerprint data for authentication purposes. However, conventional ICs may suffer from performance limitations, such as reduced accuracy or speed, due to environmental factors like temperature variations, noise interference, or improper sensor placement. To address these issues, an apparatus is integrated directly within the fingerprint identification area of the IC. This apparatus includes a sensor array configured to detect fingerprint patterns and a processing unit that analyzes the captured data to generate a fingerprint template. The apparatus may also incorporate noise reduction mechanisms, such as filtering circuits or adaptive algorithms, to enhance signal clarity. Additionally, it may include calibration features to compensate for environmental conditions, ensuring consistent performance. The apparatus is optimized for compact integration, minimizing footprint while maintaining high-resolution fingerprint capture. By embedding the apparatus within the fingerprint identification area, the system achieves improved accuracy, faster processing, and better resistance to external interference, making it suitable for applications requiring secure and reliable biometric authentication.
9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that when executed by one or more processors of a terminal, cause the terminal to: detect, when a fingerprint identification function of a terminal is in a sleep state, a contact of an object with a fingerprint identification area of a terminal, wherein the contact of the object covers a contact area on the fingerprint identification area; acquire, when the fingerprint identification function is in the sleep state, characteristic information of the contact area; determine, when the fingerprint identification function is in the sleep state, whether the contact area includes a fingerprint based on the characteristic information; start the fingerprint identification function to perform fingerprint identification when it is determined that the contact area includes the fingerprint; maintain the sleep state when it is determined that the contact area does not include the fingerprint; and maintain a terminal system in a sleep state and ignoring the contact when the terminal system is in the sleep state and it is determined that the contact area does not include the fingerprint by configuring an identification integrated circuit (IC) to send an interruption signal to a processor of the terminal system, such that the processor of the terminal system does not perform a start of the terminal system and subsequent process after receiving the interruption signal.
This invention relates to power-efficient fingerprint identification in electronic terminals, specifically addressing the problem of unnecessary wake-up events when a terminal's fingerprint sensor is in a sleep state. The system includes a terminal with a fingerprint identification area and an integrated circuit (IC) configured to detect object contact while the fingerprint identification function is inactive. Upon detecting contact, the IC acquires characteristic information of the contact area without fully activating the fingerprint identification function. The system then analyzes this information to determine whether the contact includes a fingerprint. If a fingerprint is detected, the fingerprint identification function is activated for authentication. If no fingerprint is detected, the system remains in sleep mode, conserving power. Additionally, when the terminal system itself is in sleep mode and no fingerprint is detected, the IC sends an interruption signal to the processor to prevent system wake-up, further reducing unnecessary power consumption. This approach minimizes energy waste by avoiding full system activation for non-fingerprint contacts while ensuring rapid authentication when a fingerprint is present.
10. The computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein the instructions further cause the terminal to: acquire a section image of the contact area and extract a characteristic point of the contact area from the section image; determine whether the characteristic point is consistent with a fingerprint characteristic; determine that the contact area includes the fingerprint when the characteristic point is consistent with the fingerprint characteristic; and determine that the contact area does not include the fingerprint when the characteristic point is not consistent with the fingerprint characteristic.
This invention relates to fingerprint detection in a contact area, particularly for use in electronic devices. The problem addressed is accurately identifying whether a fingerprint is present in a contact area, such as on a touchscreen or sensor, to enhance security and user interaction. The system involves a terminal that processes a section image of the contact area to detect fingerprint characteristics. First, the terminal acquires a section image of the contact area, which captures the surface details where a fingerprint may be present. From this image, the terminal extracts characteristic points, such as ridges, valleys, or unique patterns, that define the fingerprint structure. Next, the terminal analyzes these characteristic points to determine if they match known fingerprint characteristics. If the extracted points align with typical fingerprint features, the system concludes that a fingerprint is present in the contact area. Conversely, if the points do not match fingerprint characteristics, the system determines that no fingerprint is detected. This method improves the reliability of fingerprint recognition by focusing on specific image-based features rather than relying solely on general contact detection. The approach ensures accurate identification, reducing false positives and enhancing security in applications like biometric authentication or touch-based interfaces.
11. The computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein the instructions further cause the terminal to: acquire contour information of the contact area, the contour information indicating an edge shape of the contact area; determine whether the edge shape indicated by the contour information is an oval; determine that the contact area includes the fingerprint when the edge shape is an oval; and determine that the contact area does not include the fingerprint when the edge shape is not an oval.
This invention relates to fingerprint detection in electronic devices, specifically determining whether a detected contact area on a touch-sensitive surface includes a fingerprint. The problem addressed is distinguishing between accidental touches and intentional fingerprint inputs, which is critical for security and user experience in devices like smartphones and tablets. The system analyzes the contour of a detected contact area to determine if it contains a fingerprint. First, it acquires contour information representing the edge shape of the contact area. The system then checks whether this edge shape is oval, as fingerprints typically produce oval-shaped contact areas due to the natural curvature of a fingertip. If the shape is oval, the system concludes that the contact area includes a fingerprint. If the shape is not oval, the system determines that the contact area does not contain a fingerprint, indicating a different type of touch, such as a swipe or accidental contact. This method improves accuracy in fingerprint detection by leveraging geometric analysis of contact shapes, reducing false positives and enhancing security in biometric authentication systems. The approach is particularly useful in devices where touch input and fingerprint scanning share the same surface.
12. The computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein acquisition of the characteristic information and determination of the contact area is performed by the identification IC within the fingerprint identification area.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to fingerprint identification systems, specifically focusing on the acquisition and processing of fingerprint data within a designated fingerprint identification area. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately determining contact areas between a user's finger and the sensor, which is critical for reliable fingerprint recognition. The system includes an identification integrated circuit (IC) embedded within the fingerprint identification area. This IC is responsible for acquiring characteristic information from the fingerprint, such as ridge patterns, and determining the contact area where the finger interacts with the sensor. By performing these functions locally within the identification area, the system enhances processing efficiency and reduces latency, as data does not need to be transmitted to an external processor for initial analysis. The IC's ability to process fingerprint data on-site also improves security by minimizing exposure of raw biometric information to external systems. This localized processing ensures that only relevant, processed data is shared, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or tampering. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high-speed, secure fingerprint authentication, such as mobile devices, access control systems, and biometric payment solutions. The integration of the identification IC within the fingerprint area streamlines the authentication process while maintaining accuracy and security.
Unknown
February 4, 2020
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